Fisher's of Men

Jesus, in the call of Peter and Andrew to become his followers, said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matt.4:19. Let’s list some various aspects needed to be a fisher of man.

First, you need a pole to fish with, which is of course, teaching. The Lord has ordained that teaching, is to be the method of reaching the lost. All of us in time are to be teachers, Heb.5:12. If we can open our mouths to talk to our neighbors about everything under the sun. Then surely we can open our mouths to talk to them about their souls and the Lord Jesus and his word!

Secondly, we need "bait" to fish with. This is of course is the gospel message, the good news that man can be forgiven through Jesus Christ, this is our "enticement" to men, John 12:32-33. That’s what Jesus told the apostles to do, Mk.16:15, Matt.28:19. Another aspect needed in fishing, is patience or perseverance. People who go fishing have the temperament to stick to it, when maybe others give up if the fish are not biting. There are some men who will finally take the "bait", if we would just hang in there. Paul said we need patience in teaching those caught in the snares of the Devil, 2 Tim.2:25-26.

Finally, the reward of fishing is stated here in 3 Jn. 4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." Are we preaching the Word of God? This morning I would like to encourage all, to think about the work that we are supposed to do... Please, in your travels, work, school or wherever you may be; Preach the word!

In Love, Eric